The tale of Håkon Ladejarl – Haakon, Earl of Lade in Trondheim –, who was killed by his slave Tormod Kark in the pigsty at Rimol, is one of the most principal in Snorre’s sagas.

The historical backdrop of the play, are these central events from the saga age.

In Korsvikaspillet we meet Håkon and Kark, and also three strong women:

Håkon’s mother Bergljot, the defender of traditions and The Old Time. Tora, living her life devoutly in love with Håkon. And Anna, a slave and Tormod Kark’s girlfriend, who with her Christian faith brings forewarnings of the new time to come.

The conflicts in the story behind “Håkon and Kark” show Norway in a tumultuous time. Old traditions meet new influences and the Old Norse religion faces off against emerging Christianity.

The first Korsvika play was performed at the 800th anniversary of Lade Church in 1989. It was repeated two years later. In 1995 Idar Lind wrote a new script – and in 2011 that was performed for the tenth time. The music is composed by Frode Fjellheim.

The performers and volunteers are mainly local amateurs from Lade and the rest of Trondheim, but professionals have also made their mark in recent years.

The play is performed in Norwegian.